Family: Theaceae
Author: Abel
Bibliography: Narr. Journey China 174. 1818
Year: 1818
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Camellia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Assam to S. China and N. Indo-China
Description
The Sasanqua camellia, scientifically known as Camellia oleifera, is a captivating plant appreciated for its delicate beauty and practical applications. This plant, belonging to the Theaceae family, is noteworthy not only for its ornamental value but also for its significant cultural and economic contributions in several regions.
Native from Assam to Southern China and Northern Indo-China, the Sasanqua camellia thrives in these areas’ subtropical and tropical climates. This geographical span provides ideal conditions for its growth, characterized by humid conditions, ample rainfall, and rich, well-draining soil.
The Sasanqua camellia is distinguished by its attractive flowering patterns, which boast a spectrum of colors ranging from delicate whites to deep pinks, contributing to its popularity in gardens and landscapes. The flowers typically bloom in autumn and early winter, providing a splash of color when many other plants have ceased flowering. This seasonal bloom makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking to maintain vibrant landscapes in cooler months.
In addition to its ornamental appeal, the Camellia oleifera has practical uses. The seeds of the plant are harnessed to produce camellia oil, also known as tea seed oil. This oil is highly valued both for culinary uses, given its high oxidative stability and nutritional benefits, and for its applications in cosmetics and skin care, where it is prized for its moisturizing properties.
The cultural significance of the Sasanqua camellia is also profound. In regions like China and Japan, the plant symbolizes different aspects, from the embodiment of purity and longevity to the representation of natural beauty and resilience. This cultural heritage adds a layer of reverence to the plant beyond its physical attributes.
First documented in 1818 in Narrative of a Journey in the Interior of China by Clarke Abel, the Sasanqua camellia has captured the attention of botanists and horticulturists for centuries. Abel’s work provides early insights into the plant’s characteristics and the environments it inhabits, laying the groundwork for its propagation and study in Western botany.
Overall, the Sasanqua camellia, or Camellia oleifera, stands as a multifaceted plant with extensive ornamental, practical, and cultural value. Its ability to blossom in less hospitable seasons, coupled with its economic importance, ensures that it remains a cherished species in both horticultural and commercial agriculture spheres.
Common Names
Eng: tea-oil-plant
Deu: öl-teestrauch, öltee
En: Sasanqua camellia, Tea-oil-plant
Ar: كاميليا أوليفيرا
Bg: Маслинова камелия
Zh: 油茶
De: Öl-Teestrauch, Öltee
Lt: Aliejinė kamelija
Ml: കാമിലിയ ഒലിഫെറ
Pl: Kamelia olejodajna
Ru: Камелия масличная
Zh-tw: 油茶, 苦茶
Zh-hant: 油茶
Synonyms
- Camellia podogyna ((H.Lév.) Melch.)
- Theaphylla oleifera ((C.Abel) Raf.)
- Sasanqua oleifera ((C.Abel) Raf.)
- Camellia caudata (Griff.)
- Camellia biflora ((Hayata) Cohen-Stuart)
- Camellia oleifera var. monosperma (Hung T.Chang)
- Camellia sasanqua (Blanco)
- Thea tegmentosa (Koidz.)
- Thea oleifera ((C.Abel) Rehder & E.H.Wilson)
- Thea biflora (Hayata)
- Thea podogyna (H.Lév.)
- Theopsis banksiana ((Lindl. ex Tutcher) Nakai)
- Camellia obscura (Nakai)
- Camellia drupifera f. biflora ((Hayata) S.S.Ying)
- Camellia banksiana (Lindl. ex Champ.)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Laos (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- China North-Central (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by b O (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2022 by josiane dazin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Brigitta Hof (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2022 by Torres Ferrari (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 29, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Sebastien Descoins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:828535-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8307542)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Camellia oleifera Abel)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub